نظریه شناختی وسواس: پیچیدگی ها

The theory that obsessions are caused by catastrophic misinterpretations of one's intrusive thoughts/images/impulses is elaborated in an attempt to explain the frequency of obsessions and why they persist. The internal and external provocations of obsessions are considered, and an explanatory framework for the varying contents of obsessions is set out. The role and functions of neutralization and inflated responsibility are assessed, and the treatment implications of the theory are described.

It has been proposed that obsessions are caused by catastrophic misinterpretations of the significance of one's intrusive thoughts/images/impulses. It is argued that obsessions persist as long as these misinterpretations continue and diminish when the misinterpretations are weakened (Rachman, 1997). The original statement of this theory provoked numerous comments and questions, and the present paper is an attempt to expand and clarify, and to respond to the questions. In addition, the treatment strategy outlined earlier has been developed in some detail at the request of clinicians.